Turning Vision Into Action

Turning Vision Into Action

Mentorship isn't just for business—it can also bring a powerful boost to community service work. That’s the point behind Volunteering Works, a program started four years ago by REALTOR® Magazine and the Good Neighbor Society.

"My mentor [2001 Good Neighbor honoree Craig Conant of Key Realty in Warrensberg, Mo.] was unbelievably proactive, walking me through several fund-raising ideas and being a source of support and positivity through challenges," says Casey Stallone, a 2011 recipient and a practitioner with Prudential Utah Elite Real Estate, in Orem, Utah. Her nonprofit, Our Legacy Vision, supports single and divorced fathers. "Volunteering Works enabled me to network with incredible individuals who have a similar passion for living life in the service of others," says Stallone, whose foundation, among other activities, provided nine single fathers and their children fully decorated Christmas trees last year.

Volunteering Works is funded by The Stuart & Jill Siegel Charitable Foundation.

Rick Jessen, ABR, SRF, Prudential Montana Real Estate, Missoula, Mont.
Jessen started Home Again (www.homeagainmissoula.com), which provides furniture, bedding, appliances, and other essentials to people moving from a transitional housing into permanent housing. His goals: Learn to build a stronger network of volunteers and implement an effective fund-raising strategy. His mentor: David Philp, Coldwell Banker Burnet, Chaska, Minn., 2010 Good Neighbor winner and master fund-raiser for Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia.

Penny O. Kovakas, GRI, Kovakas Realty Inc., Westover, Ala.
Kovakas renovated a home to use as a food pantry to serve the hungry in Shelby County, Ala. The Kovakas Food Pantry provides food and household essentials to more than 45 families. Her goals: Find new ways to reach out to contributors, gain public awareness, and increase fund-raising. Her mentor: Retired real estate practitioner Carole Sharp, 2005 Good Neighbor, who continues to run a food pantry in Staunton, Ill., a small town outside of St. Louis.

Jennifer D. Wiles, SFR, Real Estate Showcase, Wooster, Ohio
Wiles is a founding member of the Golden Bear Brigade (www.goldenbearbrigade.org), which assists military members and their families through a support group, sending care packages, and setting up parades. Her goals: Expand the organization, retain volunteers, upgrade the Web site, and improve fundraising strategies. Her mentor: Wendy Rocca, Keller Williams Realty, Newton Highlands, Mass., 2010 Good Neighbor and cofounder with her husband, John, of Operation American Soldier, which sends care packages to thousands of soldiers overseas.